Those justified by faith are obligated to "submit" to their earthly authorities. This obligation actually applies to everyone, but the apostle is specifically addressing believers here. God established earthly authority after the Flood when He decreed, "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed" [Gen 9:6]. This decree gave humans the authority to judge crimes and punish offenders.
In every society where people live together, there must be authority and submission to authority. Otherwise, we have a state of anarchy, and one cannot live under anarchy. Any authority is better than no authority. Therefore, God has instituted human authority, and its absence contradicts His will. This does not mean that He approves of everything human rulers do. He certainly does not approve of corruption, brutality, or tyranny! But one fact remains: "The authorities that exist" are "appointed by God."
Believers can live victoriously in a democracy, a constitutional monarchy, or even under a totalitarian regime. No earthly authority is better than the people it governs. Therefore, none of our authorities is perfect. The only ideal form of government is a monarchy with the Lord Jesus Christ as King, whose beneficial influence is felt everywhere. It is helpful to remember that Paul wrote this passage concerning submission to earthly authority when the terrible Nero was emperor. It was a dreadful time for Christians. Nero accused them of starting a fire that destroyed half of Rome (which he likely set himself). He had some believers dipped in hot tar and then burned as living torches to light his orgies. Others were sewn into animal skins and then thrown to wild dogs to be torn apart.
In every society where people live together, there must be authority and submission to authority. Otherwise, we have a state of anarchy, and one cannot live under anarchy. Any authority is better than no authority. Therefore, God has instituted human authority, and its absence contradicts His will. This does not mean that He approves of everything human rulers do. He certainly does not approve of corruption, brutality, or tyranny! But one fact remains: "The authorities that exist" are "appointed by God."
Believers can live victoriously in a democracy, a constitutional monarchy, or even under a totalitarian regime. No earthly authority is better than the people it governs. Therefore, none of our authorities is perfect. The only ideal form of government is a monarchy with the Lord Jesus Christ as King, whose beneficial influence is felt everywhere. It is helpful to remember that Paul wrote this passage concerning submission to earthly authority when the terrible Nero was emperor. It was a dreadful time for Christians. Nero accused them of starting a fire that destroyed half of Rome (which he likely set himself). He had some believers dipped in hot tar and then burned as living torches to light his orgies. Others were sewn into animal skins and then thrown to wild dogs to be torn apart.
 | Author: William MacDonald Rank: Author Posted on: 2024-06-13 Source: Title: Commentary on the New Testament Year (original): 1989 Author: William MacDonald Number of pages: 1504 Publisher/Editor: CLV Print: GGP Media GmbH, Pößneck |
The Governing Authorities
In Romans 12 you discovered you have to deal with people around you, both believers and unbelievers, in different ways. You also saw how to behave toward everyone. In this chapter we see proper behavior toward those in authority, the government.
[Verse 1]. These instructions are without any exceptions, so no matter what type of government is in power, we are told to “be in subjection to the governing authorities”. The reason is that the authorities “are established by God”. If you want to be subject to God, you must listen to the government and the police.
[Verse 2-4]. Not doing this will bring judgment on you. You don’t have to fear the authorities if you’re doing what is good. The authorities will praise you if you do what is good. But if you do what is wrong, they will deal with you in an unpleasant way. Government is “an avenger who brings wrath” on those “who practice evil”. It has the right and the duty to do this. It must protect its subjects against injustice and violence. It has received means to do this, including administration of justice, imprisonment and capital punishment.
[Verse 5]. But you shouldn’t be subject just out of fear, but because the government is God’s minister. It is representing God on earth and exercises authority on His behalf. If you see this, then you will be subject to it because of your conscience.
It’s not always easy to be subject to the government. It wasn’t easy for Paul either. He wrote this to the believers in Rome who were living under a cruel tyrant, the emperor Nero. ‘But that certainly wasn’t a government as God meant it to be’, you may think. ‘Why should one have to be subject to it?’ Today, too, there are governments of which you could say the same thing.
Another thought about the government that applies more to those living in the so-called free Western world is: ‘If the decisions made by the government are wrong decisions, we must oppose them.’ This reasoning is all around you. Civil disobedience is encouraged, but we shouldn’t become involved with such things. Through all this it is important to maintain our view of the government as the institution God has placed over us and to which we must be subject. God has given authority to it.
But we cannot be obedient in things that require us to act contrary to what God says in His Word. Acts 5 says: “We must obey God rather than men” [Acts 5:29]. But even if we cannot obey in some matters, we must still be subject to the government by not showing a rebellious spirit. You can see a rebellious spirit all around you. People with such a spirit disagree with all kinds of laws. They feel taken advantage of and start protesting.
Here is an example of a law you couldn’t obey: the prohibition of Christians coming together. The Lord wants us to gather together [Heb 10:25]. Other examples of laws we could not obey may include no distinction being made between marriage and just living together, or that homosexuals must be given the right to behave according to their feelings. At the same time it remains in all such situations important to consider for yourself that the governing authority is there because God has established it.
Perfect government will only be here in the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus. Then everything will be perfectly righteous and according to perfectly righteous laws. At the moment, this isn’t the case and you need to take care not to oppose the government.
[Verse 6]. The taxes you pay are in relation with government. Whether you like it or not, part of your salary is kept back. It’s a matter for the government to decide what to do with it. In the same way, it is expected that you will do everything the government asks of you. For example, how do you act on the road? Do you observe the rules the government has established?
[Verse 7]. A Christian knows what it means to give. To give doesn’t always mean it happens voluntarily. “Render” is an obligation. Do not shirk your duty, but give all their dues. Don’t cheat on your tax forms; respect those who are appointed above you; give them the honor and the esteem due them. In all this you can show that you’re a Christian who respects God’s will. Then God will give you what’s due you.
[Verse 1]. These instructions are without any exceptions, so no matter what type of government is in power, we are told to “be in subjection to the governing authorities”. The reason is that the authorities “are established by God”. If you want to be subject to God, you must listen to the government and the police.
[Verse 2-4]. Not doing this will bring judgment on you. You don’t have to fear the authorities if you’re doing what is good. The authorities will praise you if you do what is good. But if you do what is wrong, they will deal with you in an unpleasant way. Government is “an avenger who brings wrath” on those “who practice evil”. It has the right and the duty to do this. It must protect its subjects against injustice and violence. It has received means to do this, including administration of justice, imprisonment and capital punishment.
[Verse 5]. But you shouldn’t be subject just out of fear, but because the government is God’s minister. It is representing God on earth and exercises authority on His behalf. If you see this, then you will be subject to it because of your conscience.
It’s not always easy to be subject to the government. It wasn’t easy for Paul either. He wrote this to the believers in Rome who were living under a cruel tyrant, the emperor Nero. ‘But that certainly wasn’t a government as God meant it to be’, you may think. ‘Why should one have to be subject to it?’ Today, too, there are governments of which you could say the same thing.
Another thought about the government that applies more to those living in the so-called free Western world is: ‘If the decisions made by the government are wrong decisions, we must oppose them.’ This reasoning is all around you. Civil disobedience is encouraged, but we shouldn’t become involved with such things. Through all this it is important to maintain our view of the government as the institution God has placed over us and to which we must be subject. God has given authority to it.
But we cannot be obedient in things that require us to act contrary to what God says in His Word. Acts 5 says: “We must obey God rather than men” [Acts 5:29]. But even if we cannot obey in some matters, we must still be subject to the government by not showing a rebellious spirit. You can see a rebellious spirit all around you. People with such a spirit disagree with all kinds of laws. They feel taken advantage of and start protesting.
Here is an example of a law you couldn’t obey: the prohibition of Christians coming together. The Lord wants us to gather together [Heb 10:25]. Other examples of laws we could not obey may include no distinction being made between marriage and just living together, or that homosexuals must be given the right to behave according to their feelings. At the same time it remains in all such situations important to consider for yourself that the governing authority is there because God has established it.
Perfect government will only be here in the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus. Then everything will be perfectly righteous and according to perfectly righteous laws. At the moment, this isn’t the case and you need to take care not to oppose the government.
[Verse 6]. The taxes you pay are in relation with government. Whether you like it or not, part of your salary is kept back. It’s a matter for the government to decide what to do with it. In the same way, it is expected that you will do everything the government asks of you. For example, how do you act on the road? Do you observe the rules the government has established?
[Verse 7]. A Christian knows what it means to give. To give doesn’t always mean it happens voluntarily. “Render” is an obligation. Do not shirk your duty, but give all their dues. Don’t cheat on your tax forms; respect those who are appointed above you; give them the honor and the esteem due them. In all this you can show that you’re a Christian who respects God’s will. Then God will give you what’s due you.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
 | Author: Ger de Koning Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-12-23 Source: Title: Rom Author: Ger de Koning |
The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment. Thou hast the benefit of the government, therefore do what thou canst to preserve it, and nothing to disturb it. This directs private persons to behave quietly and peaceably where God has set them, [1Tim 2:1-2]. Christians must not use any trick or fraud. All smuggling, dealing in contraband goods, withholding or evading duties, is rebellion against the express command of God. Thus honest neighbors are robbed, who will have to pay the more; and the crimes of smugglers, and others who join with them, are abetted. It is painful that some professors of the gospel should countenance such dishonest practices. The lesson here taught it becomes all Christians to learn and practice, that the godly in the land will always be found the quiet and the peaceable in the land, whatever others are.
Verses that belong to this explanation: 1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
 | Author: Matthew Henry Rank: Priest AD: 1714 Source: Title: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible Author: Matthew Henry |
The apostle Paul addressed the faithful as being members of a community other than the Christian community, as citizens in the society. He tells them how they ought to behave and act towards the civil authority. Every one of the faithful, every soul, should submit to the rulers and authorities of the state. Those have a higher position politically and socially, and have the power to manage the state affairs. This is because those principalities and powers received these powers from God who created people to live in an organized society. Therefore the authority of the principalities is given in origin from God, and they practice their authority and their leadership according to what God has arranged. The apostle here does not refer to certain authorities or certain people, but to authority itself as a social system necessary for the foundation of a society and for its safety and security. For God has created man by nature as a social being to lead a sociable life with other human beings. Therefore organizing the society into authorities and subordinates is a matter that conforms to God's arrangement and fulfills His will, for God is a God of order not of confusion and disorder. And as we see the laws in the natural system determine the relation of the natural phenomena to each other, so also the human society should be organized according to rules determining the relations of the individuals with each other. Such rules suppose that there are rulers who have the authority and entrusted with ruling over and governing the society. In return they have the right to receive loyalty, submission, and obedience from the people. The apostle Peter therefore says, "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." [1Pet 2:13-17] And in the Epistle to Titus the apostle Paul says, "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work." [Titus 3:1] It is worth mentioning that the Lord Christ indicated clearly that the authorities are from God, for when Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" the Lord Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.'' [John 19:10-11] And on the mouth of the wise Solomon the Lord God said, "By Me kings reign, and rulers decree justice; By Me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth." [Prov 8:15-16]
 | Author: Prof. Dr. Maurice Tawadros Rank: Author Posted on: 2023-03-15 Source: Title: Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans Author: Professor Dr. Maurice Tawadros Number of pages: 373 |
Render all the fear that is due to them, all offerings, all customs, all honour, gifts, and taxes.
 | Author: The Apostolic Constitutions AD: 375 |
Therefore, as to what relates to the honours due to kings or emperors, we have a prescript sufficient, that it behoves us to be in all obedience, according to the apostle's precept.
No doubt the apostle admonishes the Romans
 | Author: Tertullian of Carthage Rank: Author AD: 220 |
"But Polycarp said, "To thee I have thought it right to offer an account
| Author: Martyrdom Of Polycarp Posted on: 2022-11-13 |
Paul has a good deal to say on this matter in his other epistles also, placing subjects under their rulers in the same way that household servants are under their masters. He does this to show that Christ did not introduce his laws for the purpose of undermining the state but rather so that it should be better governed. He does not speak about individual rulers but about the principle of authority itself. For that there should be rulers and ruled and that things should not just lapse into anarchy, with the people swaying like waves from one extreme to the other, is the work of God’s wisdom.
 | Author: John Chrysostom Rank: Bishop AD: 407 |
For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.".
Paul the apostle also says upon this same subject: "Be ye subject to all the higher powers; for there is no power but of God: now those which are have been ordained of God."
 | Author: Irenaeus of Lyons Rank: Bishop AD: 202 |
The book of Proverbs teaches us that kings do not come to rule apart from the dispensation and will of God: “Through me kings reign and princes decree justice.” .
| Author: Diodorus of Tarsus AD: 390 |
The ruler is saved not through much power but through divine grace.
 | Author: Basil the Great Rank: Bishop AD: 379 |
Most rightly, Paul warns against anyone who is puffed up with pride by the fact that he has been called by his Lord into freedom and become a Christian, and therefore thinks that he does not have to keep the status given to him in the course of this life or submit to the higher powers to whom the government of temporal things has been confided for a time. For because we are made of soul and body and as long as we are in this life we make use of temporal things as a means of living this life, it is fitting that, as far as this life is concerned, we be subject to the authorities, i.e., to the people who with some recognition administer human affairs. But as far as the spiritual side is concerned, in which we believe in God and are called into his kingdom, it is not right for us to be subject to any man who seeks to overturn in us the very thing which God has been pleased to grant us so that we might obtain eternal life. So if anyone thinks that because he is a Christian he does not have to pay taxes or tribute nor show the proper respect to the authorities who take care of these things, he is in very great error. Likewise, if anyone thinks that he ought to submit to the point where he accepts that someone who is his superior in temporal affairs should have authority even over his faith, he falls into an even greater error. But the balance which the Lord himself prescribed is to be maintained: “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s but unto God the things which are God’s.” For although we are called into that kingdom where there will be no power of this world, nevertheless, while we are on the way there and until we have reached that state where every principality and power will be destroyed, let us put up with our condition for the sake of human affairs, doing nothing falsely and in this very thing obeying God, who commands us to do it, rather than men.
 | Author: Augustine of Hippo Rank: Bishop AD: 430 |
As Paul has already ordered that the law of heavenly righteousness be followed, he now commends earthly law as well, so as not to appear to be slighting it. For if the earthly law is not kept, the heavenly law will not be kept either. The earthly law is a kind of tutor, who helps little children along so that they can tackle a stronger degree of righteousness. For mercy cannot be imputed to anyone who does not seek righteousness. Therefore, in order to back up the authority and fear of the natural law, Paul bears witness to the fact that God is the author of both and that the ministers of the earthly law have God’s permission to act, so that no one should despise it as a merely human construction. In effect, Paul sees the divine law as being delegated to human authorities. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
 | Author: Ambrosiaster Rank: Author AD: 400 |
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
